A gunman who killed the owner of an equestrian centre and shot his son in the
legs before taking his own life is thought to have been involved in a
business deal with his victim, it has emerged.

Robert McCormick, 53, killed 59-year-old Peter Thompson at Meadowhead Farm equestrian and trekking centre. He then got into his car and turned the gun on himself.

John Thompson, 36, who is in stable condition in hospital, suffered leg injuries but managed to escape from the farm near Auldhouse, South Lanarkshire, and drive to the nearby Auldhouse Arms pub to raise the alarm.

McCormick, who lived alone in Clarkston, Glasgow, around seven miles from the farm, worked for a haulage firm.

A local resident said: “They had been doing a bit of business together recently and Peter owed Robert money. They might have had their differences but no one can believe it has come to this.”

Neighbours of McCormick said he was “quiet” and lived alone in an end-terrace house in Clarkston.

Detectives described the shooting as a targeted attack and are not looking for anyone else. A floral tribute left at the scene read: "R.I.P. Peter, a true gentleman."

Armed police officers wearing body armour were seen on the farm and in the surrounding area throughout Tuesday following the shooting at around 8am.

One neighbour said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard there had been a shooting. When I heard that it had been Peter Thompson I was shocked.

“He has had some run-ins with residents here because of his tipping trucks and the havoc they cause for people living here but I would doubt it would come to this."

Friends of the Thompsons posted messages on Facebook. One wrote: “Cannot tell you how sad I feel. My heart goes out to you all. Peter was so special.”

Another added: “Cannot believe the news. Thoughts are with everyone at the yard. Thinking of all family and friends.”

Mr Thompson and his son have both been declared bankrupt in the past. Mr Thompson Snr was sequestrated at Hamilton Sheriff Court in 2000 while his son was made bankrupt with debts of pounds256,550 at the same court last year.

Mr Thompson Jnr ran a paintballing business at the family farm that was hit by a legal action in Edinburgh when a man sued for damages after suffering an injury.

In April last year, Mr Thompson Snr was also fined pounds10,000 at Hamilton Sheriff Court for fly-tipping on the farm.

The case was linked to a long-running dispute with local residents over the number of lorries using roads to the farm. One man told a local newspaper he had counted around 120 tipper trucks in the space of a few weeks.

Mr Thompson and his son were granted permission in 2000 to develop the riding school. But in the years since, residents in Auldhouse have complained that tipper trucks going to an infill site at Meadowhead were destroying roads and said planning permission for the equestrian centre should never have been granted.

One man told the East Kilbride News: “When these tipper trucks go by, your whole property starts to shake. It’s a nightmare and we are sick of it.”

A statement from the farm's manager on the centre's website said: "All lessons and treks cancelled until further notice. Also no liveries permitted onto the yard until further notice. I have dealt with all the horses and they are fine. If any liveries have any queries, please phone me directly. I appreciate your help. Nat."

The centre offers lessons for beginners to advanced riders on its website, as well as trekking.